Upper respiratory infection is a general term for almost any kind of infectious disease process involving the nasal passages, throat and upper part of the lungs (bronchi). It may be bacterial or viral, however the large majority of these are viral infections. COVID19 and other coronaviruses, adenovirus, rhinovirus and influenza are some of the most common causes of URI. Symptoms of a typical, non-specific upper respiratory tract infection last 10-14 days (18-21 days for bronchitis).
Risk Factors
Smoking/vaping, poor nutrition, poor hygiene, lack of sleep, regular overuse of alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, residence hall living (close quarters), cold weather and working with children.
Symptoms
All or some of the following:
- Sore throat
- Swollen and painful tonsils
- Swollen or tender "glands"
- Ears popping or crackling
- Watery eyes
- Congested or runny nose
- Post nasal drip
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Fevers, chills
- Mouth ulcers, cold sores
- Headache
What to Do
- Rest, decrease activity and avoid overexertion and alcohol
- Increase fluids - drink 8 ounces every hour while you are awake:
- choose fluids that are light, non-acidic
- avoid milk, caffeine, and carbonated beverages
- Salt water gargles 4 times a day (1/4 tsp. salt mixed in 4-8 oz. warm water). If you don't like salt, just use warm water
- Avoid mouthwash (it dries your mouth)
- Elevate head for sleep to reduce nasal and sinus congestion
- Use a humidifier/vaporizer if possible; place in bedroom 3 hours before going to sleep
- Saline Nasal Spray (non-medicated) as needed to moisten dry nasal membranes
- Avoid smoking, vaping and secondhand smoke/vapor - it delays the healing process
What to Take
Medications are not necessary, and will not shorten the course of your infection. However, they may help relieve some of your symptoms.
For Congestion
- Pseudoephedrine 60 mg tablets by mouth every 4 hours as needed AND/OR
- Saline Nasal Spray 2 sprays to affected nostril(s) as needed
For Pain, Headache and Fever
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) 200 mg 1-2 tablets by mouth every 4-6 hours (with food) as needed OR
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325 mg 1-2 tablets by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed for pain or fever
For Cough
- Over-the-counter cough suppressants have limited efficacy for relief of cough due to upper respiratory infection. Expectorants (such as Mucinex) and decongestants (such as Sudafed) may be more effective.
For Sore Throat
- Over-the-counter throat lozenges 1 Lozenge dissolved in mouth every 2 hours as needed
Call the student health service if any of the following happens:
- Temperature over 100.4o F that persists >3-4 days
- Severe headache and/or stiff neck
- Increased facial swelling
- Very large neck glands
- Painful joints
- Skin rash
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing own saliva
- Persistent vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Persistent greenish nasal discharge > 10-14 days with no improvement
- Foul odor to breath
If your need is urgent, and the student health service is closed, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 for an ambulance.
Last updated Jan 26, 2025
Information contained in this Health Topic is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional. As new and updated information becomes available, the content may change. Please contact your healthcare provider with any questions. Copyright (c) Point and Click Solutions, Inc.